A recent study suggests over-the-counter medication could set aside one of the biggest obstacles to using marijuana to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Cell, showed that using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the painkiller ibuprofen could prevent memory problems and other brain abnormalities associated with frequent marijuana use.

The study also found evidence to suggest the drug could be used to treat Alzheimer’s patients.

The main active ingredient in marijuana, THC, and drugs based on that compound have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, but these drugs have not been approved for more conditions because of their side effects.

There have been no effective FDA-approved treatments for those side effects because little was known about the molecular pathways that cause the impairments prior to this study’s completion.

The researchers said they discovered that THC exposure in mice causes an increase in the level of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 in areas of the brain involved in learning and memory, and that enzyme can be inhibited by the use of some painkillers.

“The results suggest that the use of medical marijuana could be broadened if patients concurrently take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug,” said Dr. Chu Chen, who led the research team at the Louisiana State Health Sciences Center.

The researchers also said they discovered that THC treatment reduced neuron damage in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, and they said the beneficial effect continued when the animals were also treated with enzyme-inhibiting drugs.

There are currently no effective medicines available for prevention and treatment of the degenerative disease, but Chen said the study suggested that it may be possible to halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease with THC while reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of its use on the brain.

Interesting, but habitual use of NSAIDS is dangerous. I'd rather deal with short term memory issues than take drugs that adversely affect my GI tract, and are associated with heart and kidney disease with long term use. As for "other brain abnormalities", I wonder how many more decades of regular use it'll take for those to show up?

A recent study suggests over-the-counter medication could set aside one of the biggest obstacles to using marijuana to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Cell, showed that using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the painkiller ibuprofen could prevent memory problems and other brain abnormalities associated with frequent marijuana use.

The study also found evidence to suggest the drug could be used to treat Alzheimer’s patients.

The main active ingredient in marijuana, THC, and drugs based on that compound have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, but these drugs have not been approved for more conditions because of their side effects.

There have been no effective FDA-approved treatments for those side effects because little was known about the molecular pathways that cause the impairments prior to this study’s completion.

The researchers said they discovered that THC exposure in mice causes an increase in the level of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 in areas of the brain involved in learning and memory, and that enzyme can be inhibited by the use of some painkillers.

“The results suggest that the use of medical marijuana could be broadened if patients concurrently take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug,” said Dr. Chu Chen, who led the research team at the Louisiana State Health Sciences Center.

The researchers also said they discovered that THC treatment reduced neuron damage in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, and they said the beneficial effect continued when the animals were also treated with enzyme-inhibiting drugs.

There are currently no effective medicines available for prevention and treatment of the degenerative disease, but Chen said the study suggested that it may be possible to halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease with THC while reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of its use on the brain.

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Interesting! I wasn't aware that THC caused any problems with memory. Uh, now what was I sayin'? Oh yeah...bacon & eggs, please...sunny side up:-)

Interesting, but habitual use of NSAIDS is dangerous. I'd rather deal with short term memory issues than take drugs that adversely affect my GI tract, and are associated with heart and kidney disease with long term use. As for "other brain abnormalities", I wonder how many more decades of regular use it'll take for those to show up?

Very Interesting, I would have never ever thought to consider anything like that haha.. But I agree it's not worth the risk, especially for an every day user. I hate having to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for any extended amount of time. I deal w/ the pain as much as I can before I resort to taking those regularly.

The real point or advance is that now there are now both a target, cyclooxygenase-2, and well-known starting/reference point (ibuprofen) to discover and refine better drugs with this mechanism of action. This news refers to scientists reporting development of a new cellular assay (in the journal 'Cell') and its preliminary validation (in mice), opening up a new area for related new drug development, screening, etc.

I read an article about a study that found CBD did pretty much the same thing. Has any one noticed having a better short term memory when ingesting strains with higher CBD levels? Is that why strains with high THC and low levels of CBD are said to give a clear headed high. Your brain is less clogged up with recollections.

Folks don't realize how potent Ibruprofen really is. It's been sold over the counter for many years. It worked so well I used it every day for a number of years for pain, disc pain in lower back and foot pain due to degenerative arthritis.

Now I cannot take any anti inflammatory medications due to damage to my kidneys. At one point Group Health was willing to give me Percocet, but no prescription for medical marijuana.

I've been buying herb from a friend for many years, and very good quality too. Even when herb is legal to buy in Wa state I will continue to buy from my friend I've decided. I don't feel comfortable going to the store and buying it. I don't think there will be that many stores in the area, 344 in the whole state. There is still a stigma that surrounds it, I'm sorry to say. My job is in the conservative field.

Interesting, but habitual use of NSAIDS is dangerous. I'd rather deal with short term memory issues than take drugs that adversely affect my GI tract, and are associated with heart and kidney disease with long term use. As for "other brain abnormalities", I wonder how many more decades of regular use it'll take for those to show up?

@max you are absolutely correct. This however warms my heart since I have to take NSAIDs, Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) and others anyways. Vaping straight for over 3 years has had a slight effect in this area for me, but considering everything, I am very happy with the results. Taking large amounts of pills will kill. Opiates are another hell. I know I am way off label with my injectables and only time will tell if my wellness team and I are correct in what we are doing.

Interesting, but habitual use of NSAIDS is dangerous. I'd rather deal with short term memory issues than take drugs that adversely affect my GI tract, and are associated with heart and kidney disease with long term use. As for "other brain abnormalities", I wonder how many more decades of regular use it'll take for those to show up?

Sorry for a "me too" post, but I agree with this 200% -- The mainstream will do everything they can to screw up stoners, and this is just one example of that. I also heard about GMO pot seeds on the horizon, which is something else we have to make sure to avoid. Damn control-freaks...